Doncaster Rovers: Coppinger set to break all-time appearance record

Doncaster Rovers legend James Coppinger stands on the brink of making history.

The 34-year-old will surpass Rovers’ all-time appearance record by featuring in Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie at home to Stalybridge Celtic.

Coppinger equalled Colin Douglas’s record of 468 appearances against Colchester United last weekend.

Should he remain fit for the remainder of the season, the Guisborough-born winger could feasibly move to within touching distance of the 500-mark.

Such a feat would be quite extraordinary in the modern game and could quite conceivably become a Rovers record unlikely to be ever beaten.

Coppinger, whose current contract expires at the end of this season, would become the first player in Doncaster’s history to remain at the club for 13 seasons should he extend his stay beyond this summer.

Dave Penney signed Coppinger in 2004 from Exeter City but it was under Sean O’Driscoll that he played his best football.

Earlier this year O’Driscoll said: “It is only when you get to work with someone day in day out that you get a true reflection of that player’s character, commitment, attitude and intelligence.

“James possesses all of these attributes, which is why he was such a pivotal figure during the team’s success and identity during that period and after.”

Meanwhile, Darren Ferguson was hoping to sign another defender on loan this week after bolstering his squad with Everton pair Conor Grant and Felipe Mattioni.

Midfielder Oscar Gobern has returned to QPR after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in training.

n The Black Bank has set up a Crowdfunder scheme aimed at raising £850 for new scarves.